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Competition for finite resources as coordination mechanism for morphogenesis: An evolutionary algorithm study of
1Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
Bio Systems
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Evolution uses competition for limited resources as a communication method to coordinate cell growth and development in embryos. This in silico study shows finite resource reservoirs enhance embryo development consistency and fitness.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Embryogenesis is typically viewed as a cooperative process driven by shared cellular genetics.
- However, competition for metabolic and informational resources among cells, tissues, and organs is observed in development and agriculture.
- The hypothesis posits that evolution employs limited resource reservoirs as a communication medium for coordinating growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that limited resource reservoirs are used by evolution to coordinate embryonic development.
- To investigate how competition among cellular components can lead to coordinated morphogenesis.
- To explore the role of resource availability in developmental strategies.
Main Methods:
- An in silico evolutionary simulation of embryogenesis was developed.
- Genomes encoded cellular state transition rules (proliferation, differentiation, resource use).
- An evolutionary algorithm optimized genomes based on morphological requirements for virtual embryo shape.
Main Results:
- The simulation rapidly evolved cellular behaviors for specific anatomical properties.
- Evolution preferentially utilized finite resource reservoirs over infinite ones, increasing fitness and developmental consistency.
- Evolved virtual embryos demonstrated coordination through competition for limited resources.
Conclusions:
- Limited resource reservoirs can serve as an evolutionary mechanism for coordinating complex multicellular development.
- Competition among genetically identical subunits can promote reliable morphogenesis.
- Composite multi-scale systems may inherently involve component conflict and artificial scarcity.
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